Washington Nationals: Seven free agent second baseman to consider

Neil Walker

If the Washington Nationals are looking for the most cost-effective option at second, then Neil Walker could certainly come up in that conversation. The former New York Yankee would add a steady veteran presence to the lineup to help bridge the gap to Carter Kieboom.

Walker is coming off of a poor season in the Bronx where he slashed a measly .219/.309/.354 with 11 long balls and 46 RBI. All of those figures are the worst of his career, not including a 17-game cameo at the end of the 2009 season.

But throughout his career, he’s been well regarded as a consistent hitter and impressive on-base player. Between 2010 and 2017, he posted a slash line of .273/.342/.439 and even won a Silver Slugger award in 2014. He’s still a good bat to have in a lineup.

Also, over the last two seasons, Walker has played first and third base, as well as his natural second base. That will definitely hold him in slightly higher regard given the need to have a bit more flexibility on their team.

In Heyman’s contract predictions he and his expert both had one-year pacts for Walker at $4 million and $2 million respectively. While he would only be a marginal upgrade on Kendrick and Difo, the cost could make him a worthwhile choice to help the team get to Kieboom.